Which place is cheaper, Hilo or Saint Thomas?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Saint Thomas or Hilo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Hilo? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Saint Thomas or Hilo?
Saint Thomas
Saint Thomas is a beautiful island in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Together with St. John, St. Croix, and Water Island, it forms the unincorporated territory of the United States. The island is also home to the territorial capital and port of Charlotte Amalie. The island's population is just over 50,000, which is slightly less than half of the territory's total population.
Hilo
Hilo is a town on the Big Island of Hawaii. It is also the county seat and largest city in Hawaii County, so many people use it as the starting point to explore the eastern half of the island. The town has a population of just over 40,000 people. It looks out over Hilo Bay and most of the town's development is between Hilo Bay and Waiakea-Uka near the active volcano of Mauna Loa. Hilo is where you will find the University of Hawaii at Hilo, Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii, the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corportation and Hilo International Airport.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySaint Thomas $218Hilo $161
The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Thomas is $218, while the average daily cost in Hilo is $161. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Saint Thomas and Hilo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSaint Thomas $131Hilo $71
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSaint Thomas $262Hilo $142
Compare Hotels in Saint Thomas and Hilo
Looking for a hotel in Saint Thomas or Hilo? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Hilo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Saint Thomas $37Hilo $25
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint Thomas
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Saint Thomas are as follows:
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Scooter Rental$65
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Taxi Ride$5.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint Thomas
Also for Saint Thomas, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Vi Top Taxi &Tours - Airport Transfer to the Ritz Carlton : $180
- Private Hotel and Resorts Transfers: $173
- PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St. Thomas- Airport Transfer to Ritz Carlton Elysian : $170
- Private Airport Transfer in Luxury Vehicle- St. Thomas, USVI: $169
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St. Thomas Airport Transfer to Wyndham Margaritaville: $160
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St Thomas- Airport Transfer Sapphire / Crystal Cove : $160
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI- St. Thomas - Airport Transfer to Red Hook Ferry: $160
- Private Airport Transfer in St. Thomas from Cyril E. King Airport: $135
- Vi Top Taxi & Tours -Airport Transfer to Bolongo Bay/ Limetree: $110
- PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St.Thomas-Airport Transfer to Marriott Frenchman Cove: $110
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St.Thomas-Airport Transfer Bluebeard’s / Yacht Haven: $110
- Vi Top Taxi -St.Thomas Airport Transfer to Marriott Frenchman Cove : $110
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hilo
Also for Hilo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Arrival Transfer: Kona International Airport to Big Island Hotels: $169
- Private Departure Transfer: Big Island Hotels to Kona International Airport: $169
- Kona Intl Airport (KOA) to Waikoloa beach hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $151
- Kona International Airport (KOA) to Kailua-Kona - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $116
- Private Transfer From Kona International Airport to Hotels in Waikoloa & Waimea : $95
- Private Transfer From Hotels in Waikoloa & Waimea to Kona International Airport: $85
- Kona Intl. Airport (KOA) to Waikoloa beach hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $75
- Luxury Private Airport Transfer : $75
- Private Transfer From Kona International Airport to Hotels in Kailua-Kona: $75
- Private Transfer From Hotels in Kailua-Kona to Kona International Airport: $70
- Kailua-Kona to Kona Airport at Keahole Private Departure Transfer: $58
- Private Transfer from Kailua Kona Port to Kailua Kona city hotels: $58
Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Thomas or Hilo?
Prices for flights to both Hilo and Saint Thomas change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one daySaint Thomas $54Hilo $70
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint Thomas
For Saint Thomas, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Sunset & Harbor Lights Dinner Sail from the Marriott's Frenchman's Cove: $109
- Afternoon Snorkel, Pizza & Sunset Tour departing from St. Thomas & St. John: $110
- Flavors of St Thomas Walking Food Tour : $111
- St. John Dinner Sail to Lovango with Open Bar and Hors d'Oeuvres - Westin: $119
- Cruz Bay - PiZZA Pi Snorkel Sail: $159
- St. Thomas Dinner Sail to Lovango w/ Open Bar and Hors D'oeuvres - Ritz-Carlton: $159
- PiZZA Pi Snorkel Sail from Frenchman's Reef: $169
- Waterfront Harbor Dinner Sail from Frenchman's Reef: $209
- St Thomas Legends Luxury Dinner Sail from the Ritz Carlton: $209
- Swim w/Turtles at St. John, Pizza Pi & Snorkel a shipwreck. : $250
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hilo
For Hilo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Farm to Table Cooking Class at Kulaniapia Falls: $169
- French Hawaiian Fusion Cooking Class: $175
- Historical Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay: $183
- Farm-to-Table Chef's Dinner at Kulaniapia Falls: $199
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Saint Thomas $60Hilo $32
Tours and Activities in Saint Thomas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Saint Thomas.
- Two-Hour Sightseeing Excursion : $58
- 1 Hour Jet Ski Tour in the Virgin Islands from Westin St. John: $159
- 1-Hour Guided Jet Ski Tour in St. Thomas from Frenchman's Reef: $179
- 2-Day Adventure Tour of St Thomas and St John: $199
- Admission Ticket to Coral World & Coki Point Beach with Snorkeling: $40
- Admission Ticket to Coral World Ocean Park & Coki Beach: $35
- Aerial Sightseeing Adventure!: $250
- Book Your Private Two and a Half Hour Island Tour today!: $150
- Charlotte Amalie Walking Tour + Contemporary Art Experience: $79
- Cocktail Sunset Cruise aboard Breakaway Charters at Sapphire: $115
- Cocktail Sunset Cruise from Sapphire Beach Resort: $115
- Coral Reef and Turtle Discovery Tour: $159
Tours and Activities in Hilo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hilo.
- Early Morning Whale Cruise from Kawaihae Harbor: $125
- 2018 Eruption Adventure Tour (includes Fissure 8): $199
- 4 Hour Captain Cook Bay Cruise: $99
- 4-hour Kailua-Kona Ocean Kayak and Snorkel Tour: $94
- 6 passengers' max, Sunset Manta Ray Tour in Kailua-Kona: $140
- 9-Line Waterfall Zipline Experience on the Big Island: $240
- Abalone Farm Tour: $25
- Afternoon Kealakekua Snorkel Tour: $129
- Afternoon Marine Adventure: $109
- Baumkuchen Farm Tour: $5.00
- Big Island - Kohala Coast & Backcountry Driving Tour: $9.99
- Big Island - Kona Big Kahuna GPS Driving Tour: $20
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySaint Thomas $27Hilo $10
Sample the Local Flavors in Saint Thomas
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Saint Thomas:
- Wine Tasting with Fine Art Downtown Experience: $60
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Thomas and Hilo, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is Hilo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Saint Thomas is in Caribbean Islands and Hilo is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Hilo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hilo and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Saint Thomas would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint Thomas than you might in Hilo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Saint Thomas Expensive? and Is Hilo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Saint Thomas or Hilo?
Hilo has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Saint Thomas and Hilo, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Saint Thomas or Hilo?
Hilo has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Saint Thomas experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Hilo in the Summer?
Both Hilo and Saint Thomas are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hilo this time of year.
In July, Saint Thomas is generally a little warmer than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Saint Thomas average around 29°C (83°F), and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. Saint Thomas usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during summer. Saint Thomas gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 169 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilo. In July, Saint Thomas usually receives less rain than Hilo. Saint Thomas gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySaint Thomas 29°C (83°F)Hilo 76°F (24°C)
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Hilo in the Autumn?
Both Hilo and Saint Thomas during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hilo for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Saint Thomas is a little warmer than Hilo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Thomas averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).
It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. In the autumn, Saint Thomas often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Saint Thomas gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 138 hours of full sun.
Hilo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. Saint Thomas usually gets less rain in October than Hilo. Saint Thomas gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSaint Thomas 28°C (82°F)Hilo 76°F (24°C)
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Hilo in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Thomas and Hilo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Hilo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Saint Thomas is a little warmer than Hilo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Thomas in January average around 26°C (78°F), and Hilo averages at about 72°F (22°C).
In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Thomas usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during winter. Saint Thomas gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 158 hours of full sun in the winter.
Hilo receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Saint Thomas usually receives less rain than Hilo. Saint Thomas gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySaint Thomas 26°C (78°F)Hilo 72°F (22°C)
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Hilo in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Saint Thomas as well as Hilo. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Hilo for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Saint Thomas is generally a little warmer than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Saint Thomas average around 27°C (80°F), and Hilo fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas this time of the year. In the spring, Saint Thomas often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Saint Thomas gets 272 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 134 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Hilo. Saint Thomas usually gets less rain in April than Hilo. Saint Thomas gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSaint Thomas 27°C (80°F)Hilo 73°F (23°C)
Typical Weather for Hilo and Saint Thomas
| Saint Thomas | Hilo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 8.7 inches (221 mm) |
| Feb | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 10.8 inches (274 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 13.6 inches (345 mm) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 15.6 inches (395 mm) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 10.7 inches (272 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 75°F (24°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 9.7 inches (247 mm) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 76°F (25°C) | 9.7 inches (247 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 76°F (25°C) | 8.5 inches (215 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 9.8 inches (248 mm) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) | 74°F (24°C) | 14.8 inches (375 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 12.6 inches (321 mm) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.